Toast 2012 with Irish Cream and Resolve to Know Your Farmer

As the New Year approaches, it might be time rethink your resolutions.

Photo by Stephanie StatonToast the new year with a glass of farmsteadtarian-approved Irish cream.

As the New Year approaches, it might be time rethink your resolutions:

Resolve to make “local” the new “Made in the USA” label in 2012. Becoming a “farmsteadtarian” celebrates the great food you can enjoy by being on a first-name basis with your butcher, baker and beekeeper. Help reclaim our nation’s agrarian roots in your own kitchen. Celebrate homemade and homegrown, even if it means growing produce on the roof or in the windows of your home. Pick up a hoe, or join a CSA. Say no to GMOs and CAFOs, and turn off media or government messages tell you what you can—or cannot—eat.

1. Forgoing the ProcessedWith this Irish Cream recipe (or last week’s homemade hot-cocoa mix), you can rebel against those hefty corporate food-advertising budgets attempting to convince us that shrink-wrapped and processed is best. You can make your own equivalents of items many of us just grab from a supermarket aisle. Save money and increase the quality of the ingredients by using things like local or fair-trade products for items you can’t grow or make on your farmstead.

2. Indulging in ModerationReal cream and sugar? You bet, but in small doses sipped slowly. Use real ingredients and enjoy in moderation when it comes to things rich and indulgent. Think of the way farmers ate just a few generations ago: Basic, unprocessed, whole foods for day-to-day eating (with garden bounty preserved for the winter months) and a serving of something special for a holiday. No guilt, no fat-free fillers.

3. Connecting with OthersThis Irish Cream recipe begs to be shared. It makes a hearty batch that causes lingering conversations with neighbors around the woodstove. Resolve to embrace every opportunity in 2012 to bring people together around food.

PreparationIn a blender, combine all ingredients and mix for about 30 seconds. Pour into a large glass jar (we use a canning jar), seal and keep refrigerated.

Before serving, give the sealed jar a good shake to re-mix the ingredients before pouring over ice or adding a splash to coffee.

Share Your New Year’s Eve FavoritesWhat will you be toasting with—or nibbling on this New Year’s Eve? Share your favorite cocktail or appetizer recipes in the HobbyFarms.com John & Lisa’s New Years Party recipe contest, and let’s celebrate together in spirit. From savory to sweet, bubbly to homebrewed, enter what you’ll be serving at your New Year’s Eve festivities as you make your farmsteadtarian resolutions. The winning recipes by popular vote receive a copy of our book, Farmstead Chef for themselves or a friend.

John D. Ivanko is co-author of Homemade for Sale, Farmstead Chef, ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance. He lives on an organic farm and operates the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, completely powered by the wind and sun.FOLLOWMORE ARTICLES